Hook, Line and Sinker: Kid-Friendly Fishing Spots

Are you ready to have your kid catch dinner? There are plenty of beautiful spots where families can try their hand at reeling in some of the region’s finest aquatic specimens. What’s the best part? Kids under the age of 16 are not required to register for a fishing license, and you don’t need a license at all if you fish from a pier. So grab those poles, weights and flies, head out for a fun and fish filled day at awesome angling spots all over the bay.

San Francisco

Lake Merced
The only lake fishing in San Francisco can be found at here, at both North and South Lake. Stocked with catchable trout year round, this is a great spot to let the kiddos try newly acquired skills. The lake is super close to the SF Zoo too, so listen carefully to hear the lions roar at feeding time!

Insider tip: Lake Merced will offer fishing lessons for kids 8 and up this fall, check out the website for more details!

Skyline Boulevard and Harding Rd.
San Francisco, CaHours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunsetCost: Permits for North Lake are $4Online:sfrecpark.org

Municipal Pier
One of the most popular of the piers dotting the edge of San Francisco and home to amazing amount of sea life. Crabs, sharks, stingrays, perch, salmon and halibut are only a few of the creatures that might end up on the end of the pole. Fishermen mingle with joggers and tourists, as it’s location is only three blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. No fishing license is required!

Insider Tip: Catch a Dungeness crab?? Better throw it back, anyone who catches one of these favorite crustaceans inside the bay could be slapped with a fine upwards of $1,000, yikes!

Marin County

Bon Tempe LakeThis 140 acre lake is located at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, a quick three miles outside of Fairfax. Warm water swimmers such as bass, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout can be caught 7 days a week. With easy parking and trailheads flat enough for little ones, this reservoir is ideal for a day trip.

Insider Tip: This is a reservoir so leave swimsuits at home; no swimming allowed.

McNears Pier
Located inside the 55 acre San Rafael park along the San Pablo Bay, this extremely popular pier is often packed with would-be fishfinders hoping to catch a mix swimmers such as sturgeon, striped bass, perch, bat ray, halibut, and crab. One of the best parts about this pier is it’s location, though. McNears also offers swimming, volleyball, tennis, and BBQ spots. Have your kiddos try their hand at the pole and maybe they’ll be able to dine on their prize after a day-long adventure!

East Bay

Lake ChabotThis beautiful reservoir is a perfect spot for kids to experience fishing for the first time. From fly-fishing to renting a canoe and heading for the middle of the water, the lake is well stocked with trout, bass and catfish. The Lake Chabot Marina Cafe is well stocked with bait and tackle and although there are fish cleaning tables nestled around the lakeshore, catch-and-release angling is encouraged.

Insider Tip: A bald eagle pair has returned, and the new nest—with a new chick—is visible across the lake from an easy, accessible place on West Shore Trail at Alder Point, or from a boat on the lake.

Shadow Cliffs Lake
A small lake in Pleasanton, this is a great place to fish for trout. Kids can try their hands on the shore or the piers but get in early! A hidden gem of a fishing spot, the good spots can be taken right away. As it’s not a reservoir but a deep lake created for the sole purpose of fishing and recreation, the water levels stay high year-round. Look for trout up to 10 pounds, bass and bluegill.

Insider Tip: Trout and catfish are planted weekly at Shadow Cliffs lake, and anglers can also try for bluegill and black bass. Fishing derbies are held annually, and the swimming beach has a bathhouse and refreshment stand!

Peninsula

Pacifica PierMost expert pier fishing folk would call this the best pier for fishing in all of California. Salmon, sanddabs, flounder, Dungeness crab and other saltwater fish can be lured in. Warm drinks and snacks can be bought at the Chit Chat Cafe. Be sure to check the state rules on number of catches!

Insider Tip: The Pacifica Pier is also an excellent place for bird and whale watching, for those wanting to take a break from fishing.

Coyote Point Recreation AreaHome to San Mateo’s biggest waterside play space, Coyote Point offers you and your little fisherman a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the salty breeze as you cast off in to the bay. The plus side to fishing at Coyote Point? Even if you come up short for the day, you can always hit the playground, take a swim in the bay or visit the Curiodyssey museum.

Pillar Point HarborPillar Point is home to the best commercial and sport fishing in the region. There are several sport fishing charters operating at Johnson Pier and salmon season normally runs into September. You can buy fresh bait and fishing tackle right there.

Insider tip: If your family has no luck you don’t need to go back home empty handed. Purchase fresh fish from commercial fishermen that sell their catch of the day right off their boats.

South Bay

Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County ParkCoyote Lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the South Bay due to its superb water quality. The lake, just east of Gilroy, is currently open to boat or shoreline fishing. Coyote Lake has a “world-class” population of Black Bass, as well as rainbow trout, bluegill, black crappie, and Eurasian carp.

Insider tip: Visitors who wish to stay overnight can make reservations online for the park’s Lakeview Campground.